“Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much….”  ~Luke 7:47  (NKJV)

The room was filled with people, watching and waiting to see what she would do.  As she bowed down at the feet of the Master, weeping at his feet and wiping them with her hair,  judgement and disdain arose in the hearts and minds of those witnessing this event.  Extravagant, costly oil was poured out from a little alabaster box onto the feet of Jesus (by a woman known to everyone as the town’s harlot).

What was she thinking?  Didn’t she know how valuable this oil was?  Why didn’t Jesus rebuke her and cast her away?  She was a “woman of the night”.  She had no right even being there!  Or did she?

As many judged her actions with a wrong spirit, Jesus looked at her with  love, compassion, grace, and mercy.  He knew her past.  He knew everything about her.  But in that most sacred moment, He looked deep into her heart and saw her pain, her rejection, her fear, and her sorrow.  He understood that her desire to honor Him and receive his forgiveness was greater than the cost of that precious flask of oil. 

The Message Bible says, “She was forgiven many, many sins, and so she is very, very grateful”. 

Most of us can look back over our lives and see the great need we have in our own lives for God’s continual grace, mercy, and forgiveness.  We believe the Word which tells us our sins are forgiven and cast into the sea of forgetfulness.  We want that forgiveness from our Lord!

Many times, however, we are unwilling to grant that to our “brothers and sisters”.  Christ said that we must forgive in order to be forgiven.  So I ask you today, what are you holding on to that sparks unforgiveness in your heart? 

Has someone you love hurt you or disappointed you? 

                      Are you angry at God because He hasn’t answered your prayer the way YOU thought He should? 

Are you frustrated with your circumstances?

First, in the 38 years I’ve lived on this planet, I have learned that MOST people do not intentionally hurt others.  Usually, offenses are a result of miscommunication or a simple misunderstanding. 

Second, God sees and knows that which we cannot see or understand.  Therefore, His answers to our prayers aren’t always what WE THINK they should be.  BUT they are ALWAYS for our good and His glory.

Finally, God + You makes a majority!  Keep your eyes on the Master and your circumstances will not overwhelm you!

If you need forgiveness today, let me encourage you:  Go the Master.  He is always quick to forgive.  Nothing you’ve done is too much for His grace!  On the same token, if you need to forgive, do it quickly!  I promise you:  You will feel His freedom when your heart is clear.